Sixers hire sports science director

THERE ARE few things in life that pique the interest of 76ers coach Brett Brown as much as basketball. One of those, however, is his obsession with sports science.

Yesterday, the team announced that it has hired Dr. David T. Martin as director of performance research and development. He joins the Sixers from his senior sports science position at the renowned Australian Institute of Sports. Brown has a long history of coaching in Australia, including serving as the head coach of the Australian Olympic team.

"This organization has attracted an amazing group of high-caliber leaders, innovators and coaches who are all focused on pursuing excellence in sports," Martin said in a statement. "The leadership group that is currently in place is fostering a positive culture that encourages a creative, forward-thinking approach. I can't think of a better place to be - the mission and the goals of the Sixers align very closely with mine and the people with whom I get to work are outstanding."

With 21 years of experience working with elite athletes, Martin is a noted innovator and leader in high-performance sport. He has worked with a number of sports, including basketball. In the past five Summer Olympics, Martin and his colleagues have supported Australian cycling teams that have won eight gold, eight silver and 12 bronze medals.

"Building up our sport science capabilities has been an important focus of the Sixers under Josh Harris and David Blitzer,'' said president/general manager Sam Hinkie. "To give our players every opportunity to be healthy and remain healthy, while also allowing them to perform at their best, we have made many investments - adding staff and integrating outside experts, partnering with pioneers in sports science and technology and adjusting our day-to-day training, practice and recovery plans.''

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